Encyclopaedia WoT: Maidens of the Spear

One of the twelve Aiel warrior societies. All members of the Maidens are female. Far Dareis Mai in the Old Tongue.

Far Dareis Mai by Richard Boyé

Pronunciation: FAHR DAH-rize MY

Handtalk#

The Maidens have developed a language of their own which uses only their hands, a sign language. No one outside of the Maidens is supposed to know it, however, Faile has been taught some by Bain and Chiad. Per Robert Jordan, handtalk consists of finger spelling along with gestures that signify words and even complete phrases.

Members#

Adelin
Agirin (Shelan sept of the Daryne)
Aviendha (becoming a Wise One)
Bain
Beralna
Carahuin
Careen
Chiad
Chuonde (Spine Ridge sept of the Miagoma)
Corana
Dagendra
Dailin (Wise One)
Dailin (Maiden)
Desora
Efalin (Shaido)
Enaila
Isan (Jarra (Sept) sept of the Chareen)
Jalani
Jendhilin

References (Possible Spoilers)#

In The Eye of the World
1. TEotW,Ch25 - Female Aiel warriors are called Maidens of the Spear, Far Dareis Mai in the Old Tongue.
In The Dragon Reborn
1. TDR,Ch38 - Aviendha, Bain, Chiad, Jolien and Dailin are Maidens of the Spear.
In The Shadow Rising
1. TSR,Ch22 - When Rand and the Aiel leave Tear, Rhuarc orders six of the Aiel societies, Red Shields, Brothers of the Eagle, Water Seekers, Maidens of the Spear, Black Eyes and Thunder Walkers, to spread out to look for the Portal Stone.
2. TSR,Ch23 - Maidens and Stone Dogs are especially touchy about ji'e'toh.
3. TSR,Ch25 - Morin becomes the first Maiden of the Spear when she gives up the Way of the Leaf to help rescue her daughter, Kirin.
4. TSR,Ch36 - As the Aiel leave Chaendaer, Maidens scout ahead while Stone Dogs guard the rear.
5. TSR,Ch57 - Maidens of the Spear accompany Rand for his honor. He has no Society, but he was born of a Maiden so they ask for the job.
In The Fires of Heaven
1. TFoH,Ch21 - When men are taken gai'shain by Maidens they teach the man to sing to entertain them. When a man behaves foolishly toward a Maiden they taunt him saying they will teach him to sing.
2. TFoH,Ch54 - Members of every society including Maidens of the Spear accompany Rand to Caemlyn.
In Lord of Chaos
1. LoC,Ch21 - Speaking to gai'shain as a Maiden, e.g., using handtalk, is a serious insult and incurs great toh.
2. LoC,Ch28 - Only Stone Dogs and Black Eyes are as touchy about ji'e'toh as the Maidens.
In The Path of Daggers
1. TPoD,Ch11 - Putting prisoners to the question is usually done by Maidens or Black Eyes.
In The Gathering Storm
1. TGS,Ch3 - Maidens and True Bloods scout Domani refugees near Rand's headquarters in Arad Doman.

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